Cook confident to continue at No 3 despite Vaughan's return

London, Jun 1 (UNI) Though regular captain and one-down bat Michael Vaughan is all set to come back after a knee surgery, Alastair Cook feels that his batting position will not be usurped.

''If I can keep scoring runs - and big runs at that - I should hopefully keep my place. At the moment I'm just happy to be playing for my country, and that means batting at No 3,'' the 21-year-old was quoted as saying by ''Daily Mirror''.

''I regard myself as an opener because that's where I've batted all my career, and it's a bit strange when Strauss and Trescothick go out to bat and I'm left hanging around in the dressing room, waiting for my turn. But I'm loving it at No 3 because I'm playing for England,'' he added.

Cook who made his Test debut during this year's Indian tour of England and a regular number one in the side, made 23 and 32 not out in the second Test match against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. England went on to wrap up the match by six wickets to take a 1-0 lead over the Lankans in the series.

Nicknamed ''Chef'', the right hander said Vaughan's comeback would certainly boost the England side and the strength of the batting line-up as the England captain was a terrific batsman.

''It's great Vaughan is on his way back and his fitness is on the mend because it gives more strength to the England team. We've always been slightly criticised for a lack of strength in depth, but now we have a squad where we are leaving out good players - and that can only be good for'' the English cricket.

''Everyone knows Vaughan is captain, and that when he is fit and ready he will be back. It's' up to all of us not to be complacent, to score runs and that will ultimately improve England's team performance as well.'' ''It will also increase the competition for places, which is a healthy sign. But if you're in the shirt and scoring runs it just makes selection very tough,'' he added.

England will take on Sri Lanka tomorrow at Trent Bridge for the third and final Test match of the series.

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